Video Game Designer

Video game designers generally work to code programs on various platforms (such as computers and gaming systems) to create playable games. Creating a game involves creating a concept and storyline and mapping it out for others on the game design team so they can help with development; designers generally work with a flowchart when creating a game's storyboard. The game must be thoroughly tested to ensure that any bugs or flaws during gameplay are resolved. Video game designers may focus on a particular element of gameplay such as environments, the game's rule system or coordinating the design team's work. Throughout the development process, these professionals must check and recode lines of coding to make any required changes uncovered during testing. They may also conduct testing themselves, including recording any identified bugs or flaws.

Although a degree is not technically required to become a video game designer, many companies prefer a bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering. Previous experience is typically required or preferred as well. Video game designers must have excellent programming and system design skills, work effectively in a team setting and work well on their own with minimal supervision.

As a Video Game Designer with 0-3 years of experience in Singapore, your main responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with the development team to create and refine game concepts, mechanics, and overall design. You work closely with the team to brainstorm and improve game ideas, mechanics, and the overall design of the game.
• Creating and iterating on level designs, character designs, and game assets. You are responsible for designing and refining levels, characters, and other visual assets in the game.
• Testing and debugging the game, identifying and resolving issues to ensure a smooth user experience. You perform thorough testing and debugging of the game to find and fix any problems or glitches that may affect user experience.
• Staying up-to-date with industry trends and technological advancements to contribute innovative ideas to the game development process.

For a Video Game Designer job role, the following qualifications are required:

• Proficient in industry-standard software and tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Autodesk Maya to design and create engaging and immersive game environments.
• Strong creative and artistic abilities to conceptualize and design characters, levels, and game mechanics that align with the overall vision and gameplay experience.
• Solid understanding of game design principles, mechanics, and player psychology to develop compelling narratives, gameplay features, and progression systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to identify and address gameplay issues, balancing challenges, and optimizing user experience for both casual and hardcore gamers.

The role of a Video Game Designer is an exciting opportunity for individuals with 0-3 years of experience in Singapore's gaming industry. While pursuing this career path, there are several alternative roles to consider. Here are following options to explore:

• Game Tester: A position that involves testing and evaluating games to identify and report bugs, glitches, and gameplay issues.
• Level Designer: A role focused on creating and designing the levels, environments, and challenges within a video game.
• UI/UX Designer: A position that involves designing and optimizing the user interface and user experience to enhance player engagement and immersion.
• Narrative Designer: A role centered around developing the storyline, characters, and dialogue within a video game, shaping the overall narrative experience.

The job role of video game designer in Singapore is projected to experience significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the demand for skilled video game designers has steadily increased, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. With the rapid growth of the gaming industry and the rise in mobile gaming, there will be a wealth of employment opportunities for video game designers. According to recent data from Google, Singapore is a thriving hub for game development, attracting both local and international gaming companies. Therefore, the future looks promising for individuals looking to pursue a career as a video game designer in Singapore.